In Islam, in general, the life, wealth, and honor of people are sacred. The honor of individuals, which is often the result of a lifetime of effort and struggle, can be tarnished by improper actions such as accusations, jealousy, mockery, excessive joking, and criticism. In such circumstances, if we see someone attempting to tarnish the honor of a believer, and we are able to offer support, it is obligatory for us to fulfill this duty. If we fail to do so, we will be reproached before our conscience, before others, and before God. In fact, in our religious teachings, the sanctity of a believer’s honor is highly valued, and we are forbidden from violating or tarnishing it. We are urged to make efforts to preserve and defend their honor.[1]
One of the sins that tarnishes the honor of a fellow believer and is strongly forbidden in the Quran and the teachings of the infallibles is backbiting (ghibah) about a believer.[2]
Backbiting refers to speaking about someone’s hidden faults in their absence[3]. Essentially, the destructive role of backbiting is that it tarnishes the honor of a believer while they have no opportunity to defend themselves. Sometimes, backbiting is done in a gathering, and others not only fail to stop it, but they also encourage and support the one who is committing it. Silence and indifference in the face of backbiting and the tarnishing of a believer’s honor are forbidden.
The importance of this issue is underscored by a narration from Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him), who said: “Whoever hears backbiting about his believing brother and supports and defends him, God will be his helper both in this world and the Hereafter. And whoever hears backbiting about his believing brother and does not support and defend him, even though he is capable of helping him, God will disgrace him both in this world and the Hereafter.” [4]
This narration clearly shows that since God has honored the believer and considers their honor extremely valuable, He assists those who defend and support believers, both in this world and the Hereafter. Those who neglect this duty will be humiliated.
It is also important to note that remaining in a gathering where backbiting takes place is prohibited. If we are able to prevent backbiting and defend the honor of a fellow believer, it is our duty to do so. If we are unable to, our responsibility is to leave that gathering, so that we neither listen to backbiting nor confirm the wrongful actions of others through our silence and indifference. In fact, the value of gatherings lies in their content. If discussions in gatherings focus on the good qualities of believers and beneficial, enlightening speech is shared, such gatherings are valuable. However, if they are filled with sin and backbiting, they become reprehensible and incur the anger of God.
Therefore, avoiding backbiting and protecting the honor of others are among the most important ethical teachings of our religion. In this regard, Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) says: “Whoever refrains from tarnishing the honor and reputation of others, God will disregard his sins on the Day of Judgment.” [5]
Thus, it is commendable to develop sensitivity and respond appropriately when the honor of others is being attacked, as this not only prevents the spread of sin but also earns us the support of God in both this world and the Hereafter.
(Adapted from the book “Baqari Wisdoms; Translation and Explanation of Forty Hadiths from Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him),” by Hujjat al-Islam Jawad Modhahi (with some additions))
Footnotes:
[1] Khisal, Page 27
[2] Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 12 (Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 165)
[3] Minhaj al-Salihin (Sistani), Volume 1, Page 18
[4] Thawab al-A’mal, Page 250
[5] Thawab al-A’mal, Page 133